Butler Volleyball Team Signs Three Top Recruits

Dec. 11, 2001

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - The Butler volleyball team inked a trio of outside hitters during the early signing period, marking the newest additions to the 2002 roster. Megan Knightly (Chicago, Ill.), Carolyn Gruesbeck (Fort Wayne, Ind.) and Tiffany Burelson (Joliet, Ill.) all committed to playing with the Bulldogs by signing the national letter of intent.

A 5-9 product of Mother McAuley High School, Knightly "is an extremely polished player, who is mentally tough and the most consistent player in the 2002 class," said head coach Sharon Clark. Knightly also plays for the 2nd City Volleyball Club and was named to the all-tournament team at the Junior National Championships in the 17-Open Division. She holds a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the school's National Honor Society.

Gruesbeck, a 6-1 standout prep player at Northrop High School, was named to the first team All-Summit Conference as a junior. "She possesses a great jump serve and has outstanding ball handling skills for a 6-1 athlete" said Clark. Gruesbeck, who played for the Fort Wayne Volleyball Club, maintains a 3.86 GPA at Northrop High and plans on majoring in prelaw at Butler.

Burelson is a 5-8 outside hitter at Romeoville High School. Clark tabs her as "an exciting player with terrific blocking ability."

Burelson's 28-inch vertical jump will also lend her to be an immediate asset on the team. She played for Unlimited Volleyball Club in Illinois and is planning on majoring in athletic training while at Butler